Tag Archive for International Wine of the Month Club

Poached Salmon in White Wine

This recipe is in partnership with the International Wine of the Month Club.

Poached Salmon in White Wine

Poached Salmon in White Wine paired with salad, garlic bread and a glass of wine makes a special meal

Fried salmon patties are a favorite in the South. But if you’re looking for a lighter salmon dish, try this Poached Salmon in White Wine recipe.

Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Chardonnay 2014 pairs well with a variety of fish whether grilled, poached or smoked. The wine’s citrus and floral tones blends well with salmon making it a perfect choice for this recipe. The wine’s soft scents of apple blossom, acacia flower and lemon zest enhance this recipe.

Serving salmon in the white wine sauce (with the exception of the butter) is much healthier than frying. It’s also quicker than making out the patties, battering them and then frying. Simmering the salmon in the white wine  enhances its flavor and keeps its moist and flaky.

I brushed two 1/2-pound salmon steaks on both sides with olive oil. Then I sprinkled fresh ground kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides. The amount used can be done to taste. I put those aside while I worked on the other ingredients.

I minced a sweet onion to acquire 3 tablespoons and then minced 2 fresh basil leaves (about ½ teaspoon) and 2 fresh sprigs of rosemary (about 1 teaspoon).

Poached Salmon in White Wine

Pietra Santa Chardonnay pairs well with salmon

Using a deep skillet (with a lid) on medium heat, I added a splash of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and placed the salmon skin-side down allowing them to cook for 30 seconds. I then added the minced onions and let them mingle with the salmon for 30 seconds. Giving a light stir to the onions I added the rosemary and basil, along with 1 cup of the Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Chardonnay.

When the wine began to bubble, I reduced the heat to simmer, put the lid on the skillet and let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until it flakes easily.

While that was cooking, I prepared a salad of spinach, thinly sliced onion, thinly sliced Roma tomatoes, and tiny slivers of fresh basil topped off with freshly grated parmesan cheese. I made a vinaigrette for the salad using 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Then prepared several slices of garlic bread using my favorite bread – French bread – butter and Lawry’s garlic salt.

When the salmon was done, I placed it on a plate to rest. Taking the liquid from the skillet, I strained it to remove the bits of rosemary, onions and basil. I put the strained liquid in a saucepan, turned the heat up on the stove and added 4 tablespoons of butter. I let this cook until it had reduced by 1/3. I poured this white wine sauce over the salmon when I served it.

The wonderful flavors of the wine had mingled with the salmon and keep it moist while it cooked. The white wine sauce had a creamy taste that enhanced the fish.

Enjoying a glass of the delectable Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Chardonnay with the meal added to the perfect eating experience. At this point, there was no desire nor room left for dessert.

International Wine of the MonthClubs - The Surprised Gourmet

Wines from the International Wine of the Month Club

This splendid bottle of Pietra Santa Chardonnay was provided to me by the good folks at the International Wine of the Month Club. When you join this fascinating club, you receive two expertly selected Estate Wines (such the Pietra Santa Chardonnay 2014) each month. You can choose to receive 2 reds, 2 whites or 1 of each (such as I received). The wine comes securely packaged and includes cellar notes describing the wine, pairings, a recipe and other wine-related tidbits. (*I used a bottle of Valle Secreto Key Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére 2014 to make a Red Wine Venison Roast last month.) In fact, they have some special offers you can take advantage of at this time: Save $10 – Get $10 off any 4 month shipment, save $15 – get $15 off any 6 month shipment, or save $25 – get $25 off any 12 month shipment.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’ll try this mouthwatering recipe, as well as the delicious wine. Do you cook with white wine? What do you enjoy most about cooking with wine? If you try this, be sure to drop back by and let me know how it went and if you decide post your results online, include the tag #thesurprisedgourmet. I’d love to know your thoughts on the recipe.

Cucina Felice!

Poached Salmon in White Wine

Rating 

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 2 servings

The lemon zest flavor in the Pietra Santa Chardonnay pairs well with the Poached Salmon and the white wine makes a delicious sauce
Ingredients
  • 2 Salmon steaks (1/2 pound each)
  • Olive oil (to taste)
  • 3 Tablespoons minced sweet onion
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • ½ Teaspoon minced fresh basil
  • Fresh ground kosher salt (to taste)
  • Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 Cup Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Chardonnay
  • SAUCE
  • Liquid from pan after salmon is done, strained
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
  1. Brushed two ½-pound salmon steaks on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle fresh ground kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides of the salmon. The amount used can be done to taste.
  2. Mince a sweet onion to acquire 3 tablespoons and then mince 2 fresh basil leaves (about ½ teaspoon) and 2 fresh sprigs of rosemary
  3. Using a deep skillet (with a lid) on medium heat, add a splash of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and placed the salmon skin-side down allowing them to cook for 30 seconds. Add the minced onions and let mingle with the salmon for 30 seconds. Giving a light stir to the onions, add the rosemary and basil, along with 1 cup of the Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Chardonnay.
  4. When the wine begins to bubble, reduce the heat to simmer, put the lid on the skillet and let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes.
  5. When the salmon is done, place it on a plate to rest. Taking the liquid from the skillet, strain it to remove the bits of rosemary, onions and basil. Put the strained liquid in a saucepan, turn the heat up on the stove and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Let this cook until it has reduced by ⅓. Pour this white wine sauce over the salmon when served.

 

*This is a sponsored post containing affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was provided the wine mentioned above by MonthlyClubs.com, but the post was written solely by me and all opinions are my own given honestly and freely.

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Red Wine Venison Roast

Red Wine Venison Roast

Red Wine Venison Roast, vegetables and mashed potatoes make a delicious meal

This recipe is in partnership with the International Wine of the Month Club.

Valle Secreto Key Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére 2014 is a natural accompaniment to such a vast array of dishes it was perfect for my Red Wine Venison Roast.

While we definitely enjoy the delectable taste of a glass of the 2014 Key, its distinct flavors also enhances any food you cook with it. The unmistakable berry scents, woodland flavors and smooth textures intensifies the food making it a perfect pairing for venison. The 2014 Key offers up a set of captivating aromatics and flavors reminiscent of freshly picked blackberries and currants, spring woodlands and hints of dark chocolate and fresh brewed coffee – all of which are set in a body of silky tannins.

For those who may not be fond of venison, you can easily substitute beef or pork. However, I will tell you that prepared in this manner, you wouldn’t know it was venison when you taste it.

When cooking a roast in the slow cooker it’s always good to sear it first on the stove. I sprinkled the 3 pound roast with 2 tablespoons of flour and patted it in. With my pan on medium heat (#7 on my stove), I added 2 tablespoons of olive oil and then browned the roast on all sides. This helps seal in all those wonderful juices. Once it was browned, I let it rest while I prepared the other ingredients.

In the slow cooker

Red Wine Venison Roast in the slow cooker ready to cook

Since I didn’t want to have an extra-long cook time in the slow cooker, I sautéed my 3 large carrots (cut into diagonal chunks 1 ½-inches long), 2 large ribs of celery (cut into the same diagonals), and 1 ½ medium onions (cut into chunks) in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil. You want to keep a close eye on the vegetables so that they don’t burn and let them sauté about 7 minutes.

When the vegetables were ready, I placed them in the bottom of my slow cooker. Using a cup of the Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére, I deglazed the pan I had sautéed the vegetables in making sure to scrape all the tasty little bits loose from the skillet. I pour this deglazed goodness over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Next I mixed 1 tablespoon of beef base with 1 cup of water and poured that over the vegetables. Then I added the roast (also pour in any juice that has accumulated on the plate) and 5 sliced button mushrooms. I topped everything off with ½ cup of the Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére and set the slow cooker on high for 5 1/2 hours.

Delicious Red Wine Venison Roast

So tender the meat falls apart when removed from slow cooker

The aroma that filled the house for the next few hours was torture. It was so tempting to take the lid off the cooker and at least test some of the vegetables.

Finally the buzzer sounded and the roast was ready. I had prepared Mashed Potatoes to go with the roast and we were set to eat. But first, I poured the juices from the slow cooker into a sauce pan. I slowly stirred in a beurre manie (equal parts butter and flour) I had made until I got the sauce the thickness I wanted. I drizzled some of the sauce over the meat and put some in the center of the mashed potatoes. The sauce was so tasty on its own that it would have been perfect to dip bread sticks in.

The roast was so tender that the meat practically fell off the bone. It was moist and everything had such a rich flavor. For the first time I can remember, I didn’t even add any salt to the meal. We couldn’t carry on a conversation during dinner for oohing and aahing over our food. We paired the meal with some of the remaining wine and had a scrumptious treat.

If you’re a meat and potatoes guy like me, when you wrap your lips around this your body will begin to quiver and your mouth will explode with the wonderful flavors. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to meat and potatoes heaven.

This is one of those meals you can’t stop eating. It’s one where your belly doesn’t communicate with your mouth. Your belly is saying ‘whoa’ and your mouth is saying ‘go for more.’

Don’t worry about preparing a dessert with this meal because you’ll be going back for second helpings, it’s just inevitable. And you might want to plan on a large roast because any leftovers are just as flavorful the next day.

International Wine of the MonthClubs - The Surprised Gourmet

Wines from the International Wine of the Month Club

This splendid bottle of Valle Secreto Key was provided to me by the good folks at MonthlyClubs.com. When you join this fascinating club, you receive two expertly selected Estate Wines (such as the Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére 2014) each month. You can choose to receive 2 reds, 2 whites or 1 of each (such as I received). The wine comes securely packaged and includes cellar notes describing the wine, pairings, a recipe and other wine-related tidbits. (*A recipe using a bottle of Pietra Santa Chardonnay 2014 will be forthcoming soon.)

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’ll try this delightful recipe, as well as the delectable wine. Do you cook with red wine? What do you enjoy most about cooking with wine? If you try this, be sure to drop back by and let me know how it went and if you decide post your results online, include the tag #thesurprisedgourmet. I’d love to know your thoughts on the recipe. Now a little something different. I’m closing with some comments in my own words today. I’m thinking of making that a regular part of the post, please feel free to share your thoughts on that. Would you like to hear more audio with the post or not at all?

Cucina Felice!

*This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links. I was provided the wine mentioned above by MonthlyClubs.com, but the post was written solely by me and all opinions are my own given honestly and freely.

Red Wine Venison Roast

Rating 

Prep time: 

Cook time: 

Total time: 

Serves: 4-6 servings

This delectable Red Wine Venison Roast recipe will have your mouth watering before it's on your plate.
Ingredients
  • 3 Pound venison roast
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 Large carrots, cut into diagonal chunks, 1 ½-inches long
  • 2 Large ribs of celery, cut into diagonal chunks, 1 ½-inches long
  • 1 ½ Medium onions cut into chunks
  • 1 Tablespoon beef base
  • 1 Cup water
  • 1 ½ Cups Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére
  • 5 Button mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
  1. Sprinkle the 3 pound roast with 2 tablespoons of flour and pat it in. With pan on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the roast on all sides. Once it is browned, let it rest while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sauté 3 large carrots (cut into diagonal chunks 1 ½-inches long), 2 large ribs of celery (cut into the same diagonals), and 1 ½ medium onions (cut into chunks) in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil. Keep a close eye on the vegetables so that they don’t burn and let them sauté about 7 minutes.
  3. When the vegetables were ready, place them in the bottom of a slow cooker. Using a cup of the Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére, deglaze the vegetable pan making sure to scrape all the tasty little bits loose from the skillet. Pour this deglazed goodness over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Next mix 1 tablespoon of beef base with 1 cup of water and pour it over the vegetables. Add the roast (also pour in any juice that has accumulated on the plate) and 5 sliced button mushrooms. Top everything off with ½ cup of the Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenére and set the slow cooker on high for 5½ hours.
  4. When the roast is ready take it out of the slow cooker and set aside. Pour the juices from the slow cooker into a sauce pan. Slowly stir in a beurre manie (equal parts butter and flour) until the sauce gets the desired thickness. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and vegetables.

 

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